25th August, 2010
Teachers in Oyo State under the umbrella of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) yesterday suspended their month old strike as the Oyo State Government agreed to pay the 27.5 percent pay increase they demanded.
The suspension was announced late yesterday by the Oyo State Secretary of NUT, Mr.Olojede Siyanbade Waheed after they received a circular from the government to the effect that the government would be faithful to its promise.
Olojede stated that the teachers suspended their strike after they were convinced that the government would pay the June and July salaries which it had earlier said would not be paid on the basis of no work, no pay policy.
He noted that teachers in the state would continue to support government as long as government does what is right.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the state government would pay June salary on Friday while July salary would be paid two weeks after, on or before 15 September.
However, most teachers did not report to schools today. Also no student turned up at schools.
Most of the teachers disclosed that they deliberately stayed away from work to see if the government would fulfill its promise by paying the June salary on Friday, adding that once June salary is paid on Friday, they would resume fully on Monday but if the government reneges on its promise, they would continue with the strike action.
Speaking earlier, Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala berated the teachers for their refusal to call off the strike earlier after government had acceded to their demand, saying that they just exhibited indiscipline.
Akala who further slammed the teachers, saying they were not giving the nation value for the money they are being paid, disclosed that teachers’ audit would soon be carried out in the state.
He stressed that all the teachers would have cards which they will be using to collect their salaries.
“Oyo State teachers are lazy that is why they embark on strike at every opportunity. They don’t want to work. Even when they need exercise book, they will go on strike to get it. It is a pity this is happening,†the governor said.
He, however, held the Federal Government responsible for the constant agitations for salary increase nationwide.
He attributed the clamour for more pay to the introduction of various salary structures including CONTISS, CONNUAS, and the likes which the states are expected to comply with but cannot afford.
“The problem that the Federal Government is creating over salary is enormous and we don’t know how to resolve it. People have forgotten that we practice federal system of government whereby the states should be allowed to pay the salary they can afford,†he said.
—Gbenro Adesina/Ibadan